Question

When did Maharani Tarabai proclaimed her minor son Shivaji II as the Chhatrapati?
A. 1700
B. 1710
C. 1720
D. 1730

Answer 1

Hint: As of the beginning of this year, the Gregorian calendar was 11 days ahead of the Julian calendar, which was in local use until 1923. This year the Battle of Almenar took place at the Iberian War Theater of the Spanish Succession. After the death of her husband, Rajaram, Tarabahi proclaimed her little son, Shivaji II, the Chhatrapati.

Complete Answer:
Tarabai Bhonsale was the founder of the Indian Maratha Empire from 1700 to 1708. She was the queen of Chhatrapati Rajaram Bhonsale, the daughter-in-law of the founder of the empire, Shivaji, and the mother of Shivaji II. She was acclaimed for her role in holding alive the rebellion against Mughal occupation of the Maratha Territories after the death of her husband, and served as regent in the minority of her son. Her attempts to conserve indigenous culture are widely praised.

After Rajaram's death in March 1700, she proclaimed her infant son, Shivaji II, the successor of Rajaram, and herself the regent. She was easy to repair at Panhala Fort, and in 1710 her little son, Shivaji, was proclaimed the Chhatrapati. This Shivaji is known as the Kolhapur dynasty's Shivaji I. Meanwhile in February 1714, Tarabai was dislodged from power by a coup in Panhala, and she and her son Shivaji were put under house arrest.

Following are the given alternatives:
- Maharani Tarabai did not proclaim her minor son Shivaji II as the Chhatrapati at Panhala in 1700 CE. Thus, Option A is incorrect.
- Maharani Tarabai proclaimed her minor son Shivaji II as the Chhatrapati at Panhala in 1710 CE. Thus, Option B is correct.
- Maharani Tarabai did not proclaim her minor son Shivaji II as the Chhatrapati at Panhala in 1720 CE. Thus, Option C is also incorrect.
- Maharani Tarabai did not proclaim her minor son Shivaji II as the Chhatrapati at Panhala in 1730 CE. Thus, Option D is incorrect.

Hence the right answer is Option B.

Note: Tarabai was specialised in cavalry movement and made strategic moves herself during wars. She personally led the battle and continued the struggle against the Mughals. Tarabhai was instrumental in saving the kingdom of Maratha from destruction.
Tarabhai became a widow at a very young age, i.e. 25 years after her husband's death in 1700, but she continued to fight well. Her administrative strength, bravery and genius rescued the country in a time of terrible crisis.